Honoring Those Who Make a Difference for Mental Health

The Voice Awards are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services. The Voice Awards recognize writers and producers of entertainment programming—television and film—who have given voice to people with mental health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of people with mental illnesses into their scripts, programs, and productions. The highest ratings are reserved for those productions that emphasize the positive journey of recovery from mental health problems.

The Voice Awards also recognize the tireless efforts of mental health consumer leaders and advocates who have been instrumental in both raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues and promoting the social inclusion of people with mental health problems. Through their leadership and advocacy, they demonstrate that recovery is real and that people with mental health problems are valuable, contributing members of their schools, workplaces, and communities.

In 2009, an individual will also be honored with a SAMHSA Spotlight Voice Award for their efforts to educate the public about suicide and its prevention.

The Voice Awards are part of the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery, a multi-year public service advertising program of SAMHSA and the Ad Council to promote understanding and support for young adults and others with mental illnesses.

Event

The Voice Awards will be presented at a gala ceremony in Los Angeles on October 14, 2009. Please visit the Voice Awards Web site at www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov for updates on this exciting event.

More Information

To learn more about the Voice Awards including information on past winners and event, visit the Voice Awards Web site at www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov.